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The light of dusk bathed the walls of the Exploration Brigade headquarters, casting long shadows on the wet cobblestones. Erwin and Levi stood on the balcony of the commander's office, side by side, gazing at the sky stretching above them. The clouds were tinged with shades of pink and purple, and a cool breeze carried the scent of rain that had just stopped.
It had been months since events had upended their lives. Months since the cult had grown increasingly agitated, since the mysterious light in the sky had captured everyone's attention, and since Marie had uncovered more about herself and her past. She had matured, her features hardened, like someone who had seen too much for such a young life. Hanji, meanwhile, continued her experiments, obsessed with Marie's crystal, desperately seeking to understand its mysteries and secrets.
The cult members appeared more and more restless, their activities becoming bolder and more unpredictable. Whispers circulated about an imminent prophecy, about an awakening that would change everything. They spoke of a floating island in the sky, visible only to those who were "chosen." A palpable tension reigned in the streets, and Erwin knew that something important was approaching.
Levi observed Erwin with a piercing gaze, arms crossed over his chest. He noticed how his commander's gaze was fixed on the sky, as if he were searching for something up there, beyond the clouds, something invisible to others.
"Why do you always look at the sky like a damn dreamer, Erwin?" Levi grumbled, his rough voice breaking the silence. "It's like you're searching for a fucking answer up there."
Erwin smiled slightly, his eyes still on the horizon. "Maybe I am searching for it," he replied calmly. "My father... he had this idea, an obsession even." He paused, as if weighing his words, then continued, "A sketch in one of his old notebooks. He drew a floating island in the sky. An island that no one could see, but which legends spoke of. A lost place, hidden from sight."
Levi furrowed his brows, intrigued despite himself. "A floating island?" he repeated, incredulous. "You've lost your mind, Erwin. You're crazier than I thought."
Erwin didn't immediately respond, letting Levi's words hang in the evening air. Eventually, he turned his head toward his captain, his expression remaining serene, almost dreamy. "Marie's crystal," he murmured. "It could be the key to accessing it. To discovering this island."
Levi shook his head, a dry laugh escaping his lips. "Holy shit," he grumbled, "You really think a fucking rock will lead us to an island in the sky? You've completely lost it."
